MARK MCGLLYN'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN BOLTON AND LUTON: VETERAN SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILD

In a case that has shocked the communities of Bolton and Luton, Mark McGlynn, a 41-year-old man with a military background, has seen his appeal to reduce a lengthy prison sentence denied. McGlynn, who served in the Gulf War and Northern Ireland, was convicted of heinous crimes involving a young girl, and his case has garnered significant media attention due to the severity of his offenses and his military service record.

McGlynn, residing on Napier Road in Luton at the time of his conviction, was found guilty on November 3 of the previous year after a trial held at Bolton Crown Court. The court convicted him on multiple counts, including two charges of indecent assault, six counts of rape, and one count of gross indecency with a child. These charges stemmed from a prolonged period of abuse that began when the victim was only seven or eight years old and continued until she reached the age of 16.

The abuse reportedly started with McGlynn indecently touching the girl’s private parts, gradually escalating over time. The court heard that the sexual assaults occurred approximately twice a month during this period. The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, endured this trauma for several years before finally deciding to come forward. Initially, in April 1998, she chose not to report the abuse, but her feelings changed in August 1999, leading her to disclose the crimes to authorities. Police subsequently tracked McGlynn to his residence in Luton, where he was living at the time.

During the appeal hearing, McGlynn’s legal representatives emphasized his exemplary character and pointed out that the victim had managed to continue with her life despite the abuse. However, the court maintained that the sentence imposed was appropriate given the gravity of the offenses. Mr Justice Penry-Davey, presiding over the London Criminal Appeal Court, acknowledged that the 15-year sentence was “undoubtedly severe and at the top end of the bracket,” but ultimately concluded that it was “not manifestly excessive.”

The judge detailed the disturbing timeline of the abuse, noting that it began when the girl was very young and persisted over several years. He stated that the offenses were particularly serious, involving a child between the ages of seven and eight, and continued until she was 16. The court considered the mitigating and aggravating factors carefully, ultimately deciding that the sentence was appropriate given the circumstances.

Mr Justice Penry-Davey emphasized that the trial judge, who had firsthand knowledge of the case, was best positioned to assess the culpability and the severity of the crimes. The appeal was therefore dismissed, and the original sentence of 15 years in prison remains in effect, serving as a stark reminder of the gravity of such offenses and the importance of justice for victims of child abuse.